Arequipa, volcanic city.

Surrounded by three volcanoes (Chachani, Pichu Pichu and Misti), Arequipa is a majestic city worth discovering. Its 750,000 inhabitants live proud of their history, their memorable cuisine and the beauty of the city´s countryside.

In the year 2000 UNESCO recognized the historic center of Arequipa as Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Come and meet Peru’s second largest city, where tradition and modernity meet.

Travelers want to discover Arequipa, and Tierra Viva will be there to receive them.

Arequipa is an excellent stopping point when travelling between the coast of Peru and its major Andean cities, such as Cusco, Juliaca, Moquegua, Puno and Tacna, as it has a privileged location. In its vast geography you can find fields, mountains and volcanoes, along with stunning modern urban areas.

Arequipa’s climate is very hospitable. Its coast is dry and warm, and from December to April a radiant sun shines on it. In winter the same sun shines and warms the city, cheering on the traveler. Please remember that the rainy season starts in November and lasts until March.

Arequipa has a long list of tourist destinations, the most important being:

Arequipa Cathedral: Built in 1656 and rebuilt in the late nineteenth century. It has beautiful pieces of painting and metalwork. Arguably one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Peru and Latin America.

The Monastery of Santa Catalina: Behind the walls of this cloister lays a small city whose architecture is a faithful reflection of the Spanish Renaissance. The rooms of the nuns, which came from the most notable families in Arequipa, were distributed in 16 streets and a main square, where you can still breathe the air of secrecy and mystery. It also features a gallery, which houses an important collection of religious art.

The Church of the Society of Jesus: Was completed in 1578, and is one of the oldest churches in Arequipa. The carving of the altar and its facade are beautiful demonstrations of the laborious baroque art. Solemnity and mysticism are breathed in every corner of this imposing cloister.

Church and Convent of San Francisco: Built in 1569, it is renowned for its impressive altar made of embossed silver, and its chorus made of “sillar” stone.

Around Arequipa:

Places you should visit outside the city:

Cayma: A small town just 3 kilometers from the center of Arequipa. It offers a magnificent view of the volcanoes that guard the White City.

Yanahuara: A traditional Arequipa neighborhood, known for its beautiful arches of “sillar” stone, Arequipa’s characteristic volcanic rock.

Sabandía: A town surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Arequipa. You must not miss visiting its historic mill.

Socosani: Small town 27 kilometers from the city. Source of hot springs with medicinal and relaxing properties.

Characato: Renowned for its traditional bull fights, and for giving rise to the nickname with which people from Arequipa are known “Characato”.